Global unions unite in solidarity with people of Myanmar, urge ILO to take action

Global union federations came together on 10 June in Geneva outside the United Nations, where the 112th International Labour Conference is taking place this week, to support the people and workers of Myanmar.  

The global union movement called for the ILO to invoke Article 33 of its constitution, a crucial mechanism that empowers the ILO to take action when a member state fails to comply with recommendations from the ILO’s Commission of Inquiry.  

The ILO commission found widespread violations of the forced labour and freedom of association conventions in October 2023. 

Addressing the crowd, UNI General secretary Christy Hoffman said: “We will not stop with our call for an end to the military junta. We will not stop using our economic power to isolate the military regime. 

“We are united. We are going to keep fighting and we are going to win.” 

⚖️ About Article 33  

Article 33 is used by the ILO to ensure that member states adhere to international labour standards and respect fundamental rights. It has only been used twice, and only in situations of severe and persistent non-compliance, underscoring its significance in promoting international justice and labour rights.